Sweet baby Thalon. The fair, red-headed boy amidst the sea of princess tiaras and Barbie dolls. The perfect representation of Gorillabuns’ Irish roots. Rich’s future partner-in-crime.
Thalon passed away yesterday afternoon surrounded by his adoring family.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention wanting to punch the universe in the mouth right now. Really hard.
For those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting Shana in real life, you know she is quite the Mama Bear. Long before she birthed her three beautiful children, she was the kind of friend that would fight dragons tooth and nail for you. Fiercely protective. Loyal. She might even throw a Cape Cod in the face of your nemesis. You know, the kind of person you always want on your side.
However, behind that boisterous Mama Bear exterior lies the most enormous, the most feeling heart you could ever encounter. In all honesty, she’s a total sap.
I distinctly remember shortly after Moira’s birth, beached out on her couch with my own pregnant belly, talking about what an independent spirit her firstborn was. “Little Miss Thing (as she would call Celia) sure isn’t into the whole cuddling and hugging bit”. I remember nodding, thinking that Celia was a smart little girl because, well, touchy-feely people are STRANGE. Just at that moment, Celia sauntered over to Shana and gave her a huge bear hug, and as I looked over at my favorite fierce Mama Bear, I saw tears welling up in her eyes.
I remember hoping I could be a mother like that one day. One who cares so deeply about her babies that the simple act of a day-to-day hug could fill them with so much love that the tears flow.
I can’t begin to fathom what Shana, Rich and the girls are going through right now. To be honest, I won’t even allow myself to envision losing my child. What I do know is that they need all the positive thoughts and prayers that you can give them right now. Shana is so thankful for all of your love and concern – it has lifted her spirits tremendously.
I’ve been trying to think of what I can do right now, 1,400 miles away, to help before heading to Oklahoma. I’ve set up a Paypal donation button for anyone who wants to help Shana’s family with the expenses of Thalon’s hospital stay and funeral services. Please feel free to use the button on your website to help spread the word.
Donations would be greatly appreciated, but your thoughts and prayers are just as welcome.
Ceece
April 13, 2009 at 7:41 amwhat the heck happened?
nic
April 13, 2009 at 7:42 amthis is such a beautiful tribute, and i am so unbelievably sorry for your loss… their loss… everyone’s loss.
Kristabella
April 13, 2009 at 7:44 amThis was a beautiful post for your friend. My heart is aching for Shana and her family. I will be thinking and praying for them and donating to help them through this hard time.
No one should have to bury their child.
andrea
April 13, 2009 at 7:46 amThank you so much for doing this, Whoorl. We’ll encourage everyone we know to help out this dear family and to keep Thalons memory alive.
Camels & Chocolate
April 13, 2009 at 7:47 amI cannot even believe all that is going on right now…Maddie, Thalon…these poor, poor families. Great post. I hope they feel all the love and support on the Internet.
daysgoby
April 13, 2009 at 7:47 amMy heart hurts for your friend and her family.
moosh in indy.
April 13, 2009 at 7:47 am<3
SAJ
April 13, 2009 at 7:49 amI can’t think of anything to say but to add that I’m praying too. If only all this love and support could make him come back.
Lesha
April 13, 2009 at 7:49 amThis is just unimaginable.
It just rocks your confidence in life to the core. How can a child go from healthy to this in an instance. It makes me want to never leave my child’s side.
Geminigirl
April 13, 2009 at 7:51 amsweet baby boy…
I am so so sorry for your loss. No parent should ever have to experience that. Sending you love and hugs and prayers….
sam {temptingmama}
April 13, 2009 at 7:51 amI am completely gutted. Why is this happening!? *sob*
Isabel
April 13, 2009 at 7:53 amI want to punch the universe too.
ali
April 13, 2009 at 7:55 ami am broken into more pieces than i thought possible today. my heart goes out to Shana and her whole family.
HollowSquirrel
April 13, 2009 at 7:55 amTheir loss is unfathomable. I’m so sorry for their and your loss. I’m so so sorry.
Angella
April 13, 2009 at 7:55 amI’ll do what I can to spread the word. This is just not fair.